About Sakawi - Palm Oil Coaching Experts

Our Story

Sakawi was founded in 2013 by a group of agronomists and sustainability specialists who saw Malaysian smallholder palm oil farmers struggling despite working hard. They recognized that access to expert knowledge and practical coaching could dramatically improve outcomes for these essential agricultural producers.

What started as a small pilot program with 12 farmers in Johor has grown into a comprehensive coaching organization serving over 450 smallholder plantations across Malaysia. Our approach combines scientific agriculture expertise with practical, on-the-ground support tailored to each farmer's specific situation and goals.

Over the past 12 years, we've documented average yield increases of 35% among our client farmers, helped over 100 smallholders achieve sustainability certification, and contributed to environmental protection through improved farming practices. More importantly, we've seen farming families achieve financial stability, send children to university, and build confidence in their agricultural future.

Today, Sakawi stands as Malaysia's leading smallholder palm oil coaching organization, recognized by government agencies, industry associations, and international sustainability organizations for our practical, farmer-focused approach to agricultural development.

Mission & Vision

Guiding principles that drive everything we do

Our Mission

To empower palm oil smallholder farmers across Malaysia with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to achieve sustainable productivity, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic viability.

We accomplish this through:

Practical, hands-on coaching tailored to each farmer's specific needs and goals
Science-based agricultural practices proven to increase yields and quality
Support for sustainability certification and environmental compliance
Building farmer knowledge and confidence for independent decision-making
Creating connections between farmers and premium market opportunities

Our Vision

A thriving palm oil sector where smallholder farmers are profitable, sustainable, and recognized as essential contributors to Malaysia's agricultural economy and environmental health.

We envision a future where:

Every smallholder has access to expert agricultural guidance and support
Sustainable farming practices are the standard, not the exception
Palm oil is produced with environmental responsibility and social equity
Farming is seen as a prestigious, profitable career attracting young people
Malaysian palm oil is globally recognized for quality and sustainability

Our Core Values

The principles that guide our work with farmers every day

Farmer-First Approach

Farmers are our partners, not just clients. We listen carefully, respect their knowledge and experience, and tailor solutions to their specific circumstances, goals, and resources.

Scientific Excellence

Our recommendations are based on sound agricultural science, proven research, and documented results. We continuously update our knowledge to provide farmers with the most effective practices.

Sustainability Commitment

Profitable farming and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand. We help farmers implement practices that protect nature while improving productivity and long-term viability.

Integrity & Transparency

We provide honest assessments, realistic timelines, and transparent pricing. If we don't think we can help with a particular situation, we say so and suggest alternatives.

Results-Focused

Good intentions aren't enough - we measure success by actual improvements in yields, quality, costs, and farmer income. We track outcomes and continuously refine our approach.

Knowledge Transfer

Our goal is to build farmer capability, not create dependency. We teach the "why" behind recommendations so farmers can make informed decisions independently.

Meet Our Expert Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to your farming success

Dr. Ahmad Kamal bin Hassan

Founder & Chief Agronomist

Qualifications: PhD in Tropical Agronomy (UPM), MSc Soil Science, 25+ years experience

Dr. Kamal founded Sakawi after spending 15 years as a research agronomist with MPOB. His expertise in soil fertility and nutrient management has helped hundreds of farmers dramatically improve yields while reducing fertilizer costs.

Siti Rahman

Senior Agricultural Consultant

Qualifications: BSc Agriculture, Certified RSPO Lead Auditor, 18 years field experience

Siti specializes in sustainability certification and integrated pest management. She has guided over 80 smallholders through successful RSPO and MSPO certification, making sustainable practices accessible to small operations.

Lim Wei Chong

Technology & Innovation Director

Qualifications: BSc Agricultural Engineering, MSc Precision Agriculture, 12 years experience

Lim leads our technology integration initiatives, helping farmers leverage drones, sensors, and data analytics for precision management. He makes advanced agricultural technology accessible and affordable for smallholders.

Muhammad Faizal bin Omar

Field Operations Manager

Qualifications: Diploma Agriculture, 20+ years plantation management experience

Faizal brings extensive hands-on plantation management expertise. His practical knowledge of day-to-day operations helps translate technical recommendations into workable solutions for real farm conditions.

Dr. Lee Mei Ling

Plant Health Specialist

Qualifications: PhD Plant Pathology, MSc Entomology, 15 years research & consulting

Dr. Lee is our expert on pest and disease management. She developed our comprehensive IPM programs that have reduced pesticide costs by average 60% while maintaining excellent control effectiveness.

Raj Kumar

Training & Capacity Building Lead

Qualifications: BSc Agriculture, Certificate in Adult Education, 16 years training experience

Raj designs and delivers our comprehensive training programs for farmers and workers. His engaging teaching style and practical approach have trained over 2,000 plantation workers in best practices.

Our Journey

Key milestones in Sakawi's growth and impact

2013

Foundation

Sakawi established by Dr. Ahmad Kamal and colleagues. Pilot program launched with 12 smallholder farmers in Kluang, Johor. Focus on practical soil management and yield improvement strategies.

2015

Certification Support Program

Developed specialized RSPO certification support program for smallholders. First 8 farmers achieved certification, demonstrating smallholder certification was practical and economically beneficial.

2017

Regional Expansion

Expanded operations beyond Johor to Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. Client base grew to 150+ farmers. Established formal partnerships with agricultural extension services and farmer cooperatives.

2019

Innovation Initiative

Launched precision agriculture program integrating drone technology and data analytics. Developed affordable technology solutions tailored for smallholder operations. Published research on smallholder technology adoption.

2021

Industry Recognition

Received Excellence in Agricultural Extension award from Ministry of Agriculture. Recognized by RSPO for outstanding smallholder support. Featured in international sustainable agriculture conferences.

2023

Major Milestone

Celebrated coaching 450th farmer. Cumulative yield improvements across all clients exceeded 12,000 additional tons FFB annually. 100+ farmers achieved sustainability certification with Sakawi support.

2024

Climate Adaptation Program

Launched comprehensive climate change adaptation initiative addressing drought resilience, flood management, and heat stress mitigation. Developing farmer networks for knowledge sharing and mutual support.

Recognition & Achievements

Awards and recognition for our contribution to Malaysian agriculture

Agricultural Excellence Award

Ministry of Agriculture & Food Industries (2021)

RSPO Smallholder Support Recognition

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (2021)

Innovation in Agriculture

Malaysian Palm Oil Board (2020)

Sustainability Leadership

WWF Malaysia (2022)

Farmer Association Partner of Excellence

National Farmers Association (2023)

Best Practice Case Study

International Food Policy Research Institute (2023)

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Since 2013